Key topic 3: The loss of an empire, 1765–83 - 3 Consequences of the war in…

The idea

American independence had a contradictory significance for slavery. While the Declaration of Independence proclaimed 'all men are created equal', the new United States Constitution protected slavery, especially in Southern states where plantation economies relied on enslaved labour. However, revolutionary rhetoric inspired Northern states, like Pennsylvania, to begin gradual abolition. During the war, the British offered freedom to enslaved people who fought for them, leading to the relocation of thousands of 'Black Loyalists' to Nova Scotia after the British defeat. Therefore, independence entrenched slavery in the South, sparked early abolitionist movements in the North, and created a diaspora of freed people across the British Empire.

What earns the marks

• Identify the contradiction between the revolutionary ideals of liberty and the continuation of the institution of slavery.
• Explain the regional divide that emerged, with Northern states beginning gradual abolition while Southern states entrenched slavery.
• Describe the British military strategy of offering freedom to enslaved people who joined their forces, such as through Lord Dunmore's Proclamation.
• Detail the post-war migration and resettlement of Black Loyalists to British territories such as Nova Scotia.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Claiming American independence immediately ended slavery.

  Put it right: Specify that independence actually entrenched slavery in the Southern states, though some Northern states began gradual abolition.

• Ignoring the role of the British in freeing enslaved people.

  Put it right: Acknowledge that the British offered freedom to enslaved individuals who fought for them, creating the Black Loyalists.

• Assuming the US Constitution banned the slave trade immediately.

  Put it right: Note that the Constitution protected the institution and allowed the international slave trade to continue for another twenty years.

Exam tips

• Use the specific term 'Black Loyalists' when discussing enslaved people who gained their freedom by fighting for the British Crown.
• Contrast the economic needs of the Southern plantation colonies with the Northern colonies to explain the regional differences in abolition.
• Evaluate 'significance' by looking at both short-term impacts, such as Black Loyalists relocating, and long-term impacts, such as the entrenchment of Southern slavery.